Former tennis professional Brad Drewett has been appointed the ATP’s new executive chairman and president, it was announced this week by the body which runs the men’s professional game.

The 53-year-old Australian, currently the ATP’s senior executive, will begin a three-year appointment after being voted in unanimously by the ATP Board of Directors.

He begins his role on January 1, 2012, and will be based in the ATP’s London office.

During his 12-year professional playing career, Drewett reached a career-high ranking of 34 in singles, winning two ATP World Tour titles, and represented Australia in the Davis Cup competition.

The Australian Open Junior champion (1975, 1977), he reached the quarter-finals in his first Grand Slam in Melbourne in 1976.

“The ATP World Tour and men’s tennis are stronger than ever and it is my intention to continue to lead the organisation on this successful path, working hand in hand with our players and tournaments,” Drewett said in a statement by the ATP.

“I am very excited about the opportunities ahead.”

ATP Player Council president Roger Federer said: “Brad is a very experienced executive and has been an effective leader within the ATP for many years. He understands the global nature of the business as well as the complexities of dealing with all of the Tour’s stakeholders.”